• FluTrackers.com Inc. does not provide medical advice. Information on this web site is collected from various internet resources, and the FluTrackers board of directors makes no warranty to the safety, efficacy, correctness or completeness of the information posted on this site by any author or poster. The information collated here is for instructional and/or discussion purposes only and is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or other medical condition. Every individual reader or poster should seek advice from their personal physician/healthcare practitioner before considering or using any interventions that are discussed on this website. By continuing to access this website you agree to consult your personal physican before using any interventions posted on this website, and you agree to hold harmless FluTrackers.com Inc., the board of directors, the members, and all authors and posters for any effects from use of any medication, supplement, vitamin or other substance, device, intervention, etc. mentioned in posts on this website, or other internet venues referenced in posts on this website.
  • We are not asking for any donations. Do not donate to any entity who says they are raising funds for us.

N.Y. Press Releases Department of Health - State, County and Town 2025

Commonground

Commonground

Senior Moderator
Ontario County
3/7/25

Ontario County Public Health

AVIAN INFLUENZA

H5N1 HIGHLY PATHOGENIC (HPAI)

Avian Flu: What You Should Know

Avian flu, also called bird flu, is common among birds. It can spread quickly and make birds very sick.

Why You Should Care

People should care because avian flu can sometimes spread from birds to humans, making them sick too. This can lead to serious health problems. Symptoms in people can include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it can cause breathing problems and even pneumonia.

Knowing about avian flu helps you take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your pets.
​https://www.ontariocountyny.gov/101/Public-Health
 
Livingston County
3/6/25

Health Dept. Issues Avian Influenza Safety and Reporting Guidance​

MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., March 6, 2025 — Livingston County Health Department officials are urging County residents to remain vigilant and take simple safety precautions as cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as H5N1 or bird flu, become more prevalent throughout the region.

A contagious disease affecting both domestic and wild poultry, bird flu spreads through contact with sick birds. To date, 42 flocks in New York State have tested positive for bird flu since February 2022, according to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has launched a web-based form for the public to report deceased birds and suspected cases of avian influenza. The form is online at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dee381c0ee8a4114a83dc1892fc0f7ed. It will allow the NYSDEC to gather real-time location data for bird flu outbreaks and respond quickly to reports of sick birds. The County’s Health Department is recommending residents use the form to report deceased birds to the NYSDEC before taking further action.
​
Continued: https://www.livingstoncountyny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1618
 
Essex County (facebook page)
3/7/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 7, 2025
Essex County Health Department Addresses Avian Influenza Elizabethtown, NY - The Essex County Health Department (ECHD) is
actively monitoring the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu or H5N1, in the region. With a rise in detections in 2025, the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab has confirmed H5N1 in nearly 100 birds across New York State, including cases in Essex County. As surveillance efforts increase, the public may encounter reports of, or direct observations of, sick or deceased wild birds. While the current risk to human health remains low, ECHD is committed to
keeping the community informed.​
-snip-
  • No Known Person-to-Person Transmission: The CDC has reported 70 human cases of H5N1 in the U.S., with one fatality, primarily linked to direct exposure to infected dairy cattle or poultry farm operations.
    There is no evidence of person-to-person spread.
  • Animal Health Connection: Protecting animal health is integral to safeguarding public health. Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wildlife, following NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Guidance.
  • Report Sick or Dead Birds: To report suspected cases of avian influenza in wild birds, please utilize the online form provided by the NYSDEC: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-relea...-report-suspected-cases-of-highly-pathogenic-
    avian-influenza-in-wild-birds-
  • Resources for Farms: Avian influenza can impact poultry farms and dairy cattle. Livestock and commercial and hobby poultry farmers should increase their biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the disease. For more information, refer to:
    https://agriculture.ny.gov/highlv-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai
Addressing Local Concerns:
The Essex County Health Department is aware of reports regarding a juvenile bald eagle in Willsboro and a group of geese in Westport. We are monitoring these reports and will share any pertinent public health updates as they become available.

The Health Department encourages residents to stay informed about avian influenza through reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/index.html
or New York State Department of Health's avian influenza resource page:
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian/index.html
​
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1032126198952974&set=pcb.1032126365619624

​
 
Westchester County
February 28, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​
BIRD FLU DETECTED AT SOUTH SALEM ANIMAL FACILITY

No Public Health Threat Identified — No Human Cases Reported in New York

State

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Department of Health has learned that multiple birds at an animal facility in South Salem have tested positive for bird flu, and about 60 birds died or were euthanized. The facility, Animal Nation, is a Farm Animal Rescue & Sanctuary located in South Salem. The facility has been closed to the public since the fall, and there is no risk of public exposure. However, staff and volunteers are being notified, and the Westchester County Health Department is actively reaching out to them to monitor for any symptoms of bird flu.

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “The best way we can all be protected is to avoid contact with any sick or dying animals. While there is no risk to the public at this time, it’s important that we all remain vigilant. The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and supporting those who may have been exposed.”

If a dead bird is found on a property, it should be disposed of in accordance with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) guidance. Proper precautions include wearing disposable gloves, a mask and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the animal and its fluids, keep children and pets away, use a shovel, and wash hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple- bagged in garbage or contractor bags and placed in an outdoor trash can.
​
Amler also advised residents to keep their children and pets away from sick or dead birds and not to directly touch any sick or dying animal.


In cases where multiple dead birds are observed in a single location, it is recommended to report the incident to the DEC. More information about wildlife health is available at the NYSDEC Wildlife Health webpage https://dec.ny.gov/nature/wildlife-health
​
​https://health.westchestergov.com/images/stories/NEWS/2025february28southsalembirdflu.pdf
​
 
Clinton County (Plattsburgh]
March 11, 2025


Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Clinton County, March 11, 2025. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) and their local partners are working closely to monitor Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as H5N1 or bird flu, in Clinton County and to share educational messages with poultry and dairy farms and workers, health care providers, and the community.

HPAI has been widespread in the state for several years and is circulating across the country. This strain of influenza virus has spread from wild birds into poultry, dairy cattle, domestic cats and many species of wildlife. Rarely, it has passed to humans who had direct contact with infected birds and mammals, including dairy cows, and caused illness. At this time, there is no evidence that HPAI has spread from person to person in the United States. To date, in New York, there have been no human cases of HPAI and no detections in cattle.

“HPAI has been present among wild birds in the North Country, in small numbers, since 2022. Clinton County has not seen HPAI cases in domestic poultry, cattle, or other mammals,” explained Director of Public Health Jeffrey Sisson. “While residents may be hearing about HPAI outbreaks in other parts of the state or country, in Clinton County, current activity among wild birds remains within expected levels for our community. The risk to the public is low.”

-snip-

Residents that keep backyard poultry flocks can visit https://agriculture.ny.gov/animals/poultry for moreinformation to help prevent the spread of the disease within their flocks. “While our commercial poultry farms have strict biosecurity and monitoring measures in place, we know we have many residents who keep poultry at their homes,” added Mr. Sisson. “These residents should review their biosecurity plans and takeprecautions to protect their birds, including keeping their flock completely separated from wild birds.” To report sick or dead poultry, call the NYSAGM at (518)457-3502. “Again, the risk to the public right now is low,” emphasized Mr. Sisson. “We want to assure our residents that we are paying close attention to the current situation and will share any updates on the impact to human health as appropriate.”

For more information about H5N1 avian influenza, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian/.
​
https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/BulletinsPress/PR03112025.pdf​
​
 
NYC Health Department
March 15, 2025

Bird Flu Detected In Two New York City Cats Is Associated With ‘Savage Cat Food’ Raw Pet Food

​
New York City Pet Owners Should Avoid Feeding Their Pets Raw Food or Raw Milk

Families with “Savage Cat Food” Should Check to See if Products They Have at Home Are Being Recalled

The Current Risk to New Yorkers of Bird Flu Remains Low

March 15, 2025— Today, the New York City Health Department (NYC Health Department) is advising New Yorkers to not feed their pets food from the raw pet food company Savage Cat Food. Avian influenza (bird flu) virus was detected in two cats and a suspected third cat over the past two months, all connected to Savage Cat Food, poultry packets lot number 11152026. The Health Department has shared this information with the FDA and the company. The overall risk of bird flu to the public remains low. To date, no human has developed bird flu in New York City.

“In collaboration with local, state, and federal animal health officials, the New York City Health Department has confirmed that two separate cats, and possibly a third, were infected with bird flu and have been linked to a raw poultry pet food product from Savage Cat Food. We strongly encourage New Yorkers whose cats are experiencing illness after consuming Savage Cat Food products or other raw meat or dairy products to contact their veterinarian,” said NYC Health Department Acting Commissioner, Dr. Michelle Morse. “The current risk to New Yorkers of bird flu remains low. Bird flu viruses present a wider risk to the general public only if the virus develops the ability to transmit between people — which we have not seen at this time.”

Cat A became ill this month and was hospitalized with fever, loss of appetite and severe respiratory disease following consumption of chicken packets from Savage Cat Food with the lot number 11152026. Testing for H5 bird flu was performed at the Cornell Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and confirmatory H5N1 testing by the U.S.D.A. National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) is pending. The cat died as a result of the infection.

A second cat, cat B, was diagnosed with H5N1 and testing was confirmed by NVSL last month. This cat developed fever and severe respiratory and liver disease and also died as a result of infection. Additional testing recently performed at NVSL suggests the cat was infected with an H5N1 strain related to that found in Savage Cat food, lot 11152026. This cat did not consume the raw food product but was exposed to a sick cat, cat C. Cat C became ill with fever after consuming Savage Cat Food lot number 11152026. Cat C survived and H5 testing was not performed and cannot be performed as too much time has passed.

The Health Department has been communicating with cat owners and veterinary staff, as well as Savage Pet Food. While cat H5N1 infections are rare, people who were in contact with the sick cats have been advised to monitor their health. Arrangements will be made for testing, treatment, or prophylaxis if indicated.

Tips for pet owners:

Continued: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/press/pr2025/bird-flu-cats-savage-cat-raw-pet-food.page
​
 
Ulster County Health Department
****For Immediate Release****

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Spring Chicks Are Cute, But Caution is Key: Prevent the Spread of Avian Flu

There Are No Current Active Cases in Ulster County

KINGSTON, NY - In response to the ongoing risk of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) spreading to domestic poultry and wildlife, the Ulster County Health Department is urging the public to be very thoughtful about backyard flocks of chickens and ducks. This is especially important around the Easter holiday, when many people purchase baby chicks and ducklings, often unaware of the health risks, challenges, and heightened disease spread during Avian Flu outbreaks.

In January, a Bird Flu case was confirmed at an Ulster County farm, leading to the loss of 50 birds and precautionary measures to prevent further spread. There are currently no reported cases of human transmission of Bird Flu in New York State.


“We understand that many people are motivated by the desire to produce their own food or enjoy the company of animals. However, with Avian Flu still a threat, it’s crucial that people follow the CDC guidance to keep yourself and your animals safe, ” said Ulster County Public Health Director Eve Walter. CDC guidance can be found at www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/caring/index.html.

Avian Flu is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects wild and domestic birds. The virus can spread rapidly through direct contact between infected birds, contaminated surfaces, or even through the air. Allowing backyard poultry to roam freely or interact with wild birds increases the risk of virus spread. Migratory birds can transmit the virus to domestic flocks and vice versa, creating a dangerous cycle that becomes difficult to control.
​
-snip-
For more information on preventing the spread of Avian Flu, contact the Ulster County Department of Health at 845-334-5527. For additiona information, visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian/.

https://ulstercountyny.gov/sites/default/files/RELEASE_ Spring Chicks Are Cute, But%2 0Caution%20is%20Key_%20Prevent%20the%20Spread%20of %20Avian%20Flu.pdf
​
​
​
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top